The AMBSN Story
ambsn was launched in 2001 by brothers Dylan and Dustin Odbert, as a fundraiser for their friend, Cameron Clapp, who was hit by a train losing both of his legs and right arm. Cameron's medical bills were covered and he made a speedy recovery, walking on new prosthetics in less than year. The brothers, who initially launched the label as "Ambission," had started the brand as a way to help a friend in need and suddenly they had a following for Ambission on their hands.In order to satisfy the unexpected demand, the brothers designed new products and sold Ambission branded T’s to the local high school and college kids in San Luis Obispo county that were backing the brand. In 2004, Dustin and Dylan committed full time to the brand, Dylan would head up Design since he had been an artist from a young age, and with Dustin would manage Sales as he had been working in local surf and skate shops since age 15.
In Sept of 2005 Ambission officially debuted at the Agenda show in San Diego, CA showcasing its first ever Spring collection of T shirts. Initial support and orders came from shops like Panchos, Central Coast Surfboards and Skatewarehouse.com Ambission immediately proved to these core surf and skate retailers that it was a viable up and coming brand, from that point on the ball began to roll.
In Sept of 2006 Ambission was recognized by Surf Expo and Board Retailers Association (BRA) as one of "the top 10 up and coming brands in the nation," for this they were awarded a free tradeshow booth at Surf Expo in Orlando FL for the January 2007 show! Retailers noticed the publicity generated and many new accounts on both the East and West Coasts were opened.
As the account base developed and the seasons passed a very important and inspiring mentor by the name of Dick Baker, took notice of the young label. As CEO of Op and President of the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, (SIMA) Dick was knowledgeable, connected and well respected in the apparel, surf and skate industries. Seeing ambission’s potential, he offered to mentor the Odberts and develop the brand into a true business. With Dick's encouragement ambsn (the name had been shortened) moved down from Central California to Orange Co. in order to be in the heart of the action sports industry. Each week Dick mentored the boys for a few hours in his apparel 101 courses, leaving them with a solid foundation to grow their brand.
Ambsn is now located in San Clemente CA, selling to the best skate, surf and contemporary shops across the U.S. of A. True to its culture, ambsn remains closely tied to all things human being, action sports and art, delivering unique, stylish, well made apparel season after season. If ambsn isn’t carried at your local shred spot, let them know what’s up and thank you for the continued support!
